Berlin Diaries, 1940-1945

by Marie Vassiltchikov

Release Date: 12 June, 1988

Edition: Paperback

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From carefree royal to concerned participant...

A story not to be missed. The audio version is also a treat. The clear enunciation and excellent accents by Alexandra Karma (narrator) help the listener follow the many characters and episodes described in this diary of a white Russian princess, Marie (Missie) Vassiltchikov, who, at the beginning of WW II found herself stranded in Berlin.

An astute observer of human behavior and an intelligent communicator (English (fluent) is one of her languages), M. Vassiltchikov offers in-depth insight into the minds and motivations of the July 20th plotters (many of whom she first learned to know while working in the German Foreign Office-1940-1944). We also become intimately acquainted with those in her vast circle of friends and acquaintances incuding aristocrats, European royalty, diplomats, (many of whom were also involved in the military and government in numerous European capitals).

A bi-product of this day to day account is witnessing M. Vassiltchikov's growth from a carefree aristocrat to that of a caring nurse, trying only to help where needed. She draws a full picture of her friends and acquainatences and provides in-depth insight into day-to day life in Germany in what was to become the most hideous of circumstances.

Her wry commentary, usually saved for the irony she continually encounters --being able to eat oysters freely when not much else is available or to buy a new hat--the only clothing not rationed--add interest and humor and leave the reader feeling a part of the experience. John Kenneth Galbraith said it well, "One of the most remarkable documents to come out of the war, and nothing will ever quite match its calm and grace..." In terms of an audio/visual experience it ranks in tie, with the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. This one should be required listening, if not reading for every secondary student in the world.

NOT TO BE MISSED! Remarkable! Memorable!

Clear enunciation and excellent accents by Alexandra Karma (narrator) help the listener follow the many characters and episodes described in this diary of a white Russian princess, Marie (Missie) Vassiltchikov, who found herself stranded in Germany at the beginning of WW II. An astute observer of human behavior and an intelligent communicator (with fluent English as one of her languages), M. Vassiltchikov offers in-depth insight into the minds and motivations of the July 20th plotters who tried to kill Hitler (many of whom she first learned to know while working in the German Foreign Office-1940-1944). The listener also becomes intimately acquainted with those in her vast circle of friends and acquaintances incuding aristocrats, European royalty and diplomats,(many of whom were also involved in military and government in numerous European capitals and included descendants of Bismark, the Romanov's, and kings and queens of most of Europe's thrones). The book is filled with delightful character portraits and compelling day-to-day descriptions of life in Germany during this most tragic of times. And it is a wry sense of humor that fills quiet moments--though she usually saves her wit for the irony she continually encounters--being able to eat oysters freely when everything else is strictly rationed, or being able to purchase a new hat when all other clothing is scarce and rationed, if available at all. She does not provide answers, only insight. A bi-product of this day to day account is witnessing Missie's growth from a carefree aristocrat to that of a thoughtful nurse. John Kenneth Galbraith said it well, "One of the most remarkable documents to come out of the war, and nothing will ever quite match its calm and grace in utterly hideous circumstances." I have listened to this too many times to count. I hope to listen to it many more. In terms of an audio/visual experience is ranks in a three way tie, with two videos (the BBC version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Herman Wouk's The Winds of War and War and Remembrance series) as my all-time favorites. This one should be required listening, if not reading for every secondary student in the world.